Prior to going to the clerk of court's office or passport acceptance facility you must have the Form DS-11, the application for a U.S. passport. You can fill out the passport online and print it or fill the application in by hand. Remember not to sign the application until you are told to do so when submitting it.
Bring proof of your identity when you apply for your passport and a photo copy of the ID used. Acceptable forms of identification include a naturalization certificate, valid driver's license, current government ID or current military ID. You must have the original with you at the time of submitting application.
Bring original proof of citizenship with you to submit with your application for a passport. A government issued birth certificate, naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of citizenship are acceptable documents to prove citizenship. Original forms will be submitted with your passport application and returned to you when your passport is mailed.
A color passport photo is required to be submitted with you application and must be 2 inches by 2 inches in size. The photo must be taken within the past six months and you should not be wearing any hats, sunglasses or anything that may hide your identity. Passport photos can be purchased at local businesses that offer photo processing services. Remember to bring passport photo in an envelope to prevent damage and do not attach it to the application.
Payment for your passport is due upon submitting your application and can be made with a credit or debit card, check or money order. If you are paying by check or money order you will need to submit two separate payments, one for the passport and the second for an execution fee. As of April 2011, the cost of the passport execution fee was $25 per passport. Cost for a passport was $110 for adults and $80 for children younger than 16. Passport cards cost $30 for adults and $15 for children.
